Hobart’s beloved Estia Greek Festival will mark its 30th anniversary when it returns from this weekend with a fortnight of celebrations showcasing Greek culture, cuisine and community spirit.
Running from January 31 to February 14, the festival will transform North Hobart into a hub of Hellenic culture, featuring everything from traditional dancing to authentic Greek delicacies.
Festival Director Alanah Duggan said the event’s success stems from its community-driven approach.
“Estia is one of those events where you feel the work of many hands. It’s built by volunteers, families and community members who care deeply about sharing their culture,” Duggan said.
The Greek Community of Tasmania’s president, Manoli Kalimnios, said the festival embodies their cultural values.
“Estia has become a fixture on our calendar because it reflects who we are as a community,” Kalimnios said.
It’s built on generosity, hard work and a desire to share our culture with the wider Tasmanian public.”
The festival’s cornerstone event, the Estia Greek Street Festival, will take place on January 31 and February 1 at the Greek Community precinct in North Hobart.
It will feature live music, dance performances and Greek culinary specialties including BBQ octopus and loukoumades.
For the Hellenic Dancers, the festival provides vital performance experience before their appearance at Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival later in February.
The two-week program also includes a screening of the film “Roza of Smyrna”, a public lecture on Aristotle by Dr Graeme Miles.
The festival finale, a Taverna Night on February 14, will feature food, performances and live music by Melbourne’s George Bletas Band.
Entry to the street festival is free, while other events range from $10 for the film screening to $85 for the Taverna Night.
Full program details are available at www.estiagreekfestival.com.au.
